Sätilä
Sätilä is an artist/songwriter from Finland.
After his experience in an alternative rock band, the Finnish artist moved to Australia to study songwriting. He released his first project Always Will in 2017.
His latest single “Like You Do” was released in October. Produced by Mikko Pennanen, “the song is about the growing pains when you know you need to be more trusting or loving. It’s not a competition but the other person is challenging you to grow,” says Sätilä.
Now based in London, the artist hopes to encourage people through his uplifting records.
“I hope my music inspires people to live their life to the fullest. Make the change you need to make whether that’s circumstance or your attitude. Make the dream a reality. Love yourself and others. Make every situation better when you come around,” explains Sätilä.
“Like You Do” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Simelius Simelius Photography
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! I’m Teemu Sätilä, a 27-year-old artist and songwriter from Finland. I’ve played music and written songs from an early age. We had an alternative rock band with mates in high school and now I’m a solo artist. This passion has taken me around the world to living in Sydney, Australia and now London.
Could you describe your childhood a little bit?
We moved around because of my mom’s work which has made me feel a bit rootless at times but has also helped adapt to change. Boys were usually playing sports (ice hockey is massive in Finland) but I was interested in arts and music and felt more of a sensitive guy in general.
How would you describe yourself today?
I’m quite determined but I’ve learnt to let go a bit more. I value community and real connection, and people who treat others well. I’m still impatient haha.
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
I don’t feel like a confident artist at all. The dream has been to make music for living since I was young. I had written some songs and wanted to get them recorded properly, and for people to hear them. Before going to the studio, it took a lot of people encouraging me in my writing and talent and getting some money to do it.
How did your music and artistry evolve over the years?
At first, my sound was inspired by folk rock and singer-songwriter vibes. That’s what I was listening to at the time and that genre was very robust in Australia when I lived there. I started to incorporate synths and electronic elements to my music and it’s been a process of finding what it means. Now, the acoustic guitar is almost entirely out and electric guitars are brought in.
How would you define Sätilä, the artist?
Reflective and honest, melancholic yet hopeful. Quite danceable sometimes too! I’m trying to mix indie and alternative with pop.
"Like You Do" is your latest single - what's the story behind this song?
Sometimes in relationships we feel imbalance, like we’re not on the same wavelength. This could be in regards to trust or love. It’s about the growing pains when you know you need to be more trusting or loving. It’s not a competition but the other person is challenging you to grow.
When did you start working on this song?
I started writing this song at the beginning of 2017. The production started at the end of the year and it’s been a long process, where the vocals have been redone two times and it’s been mixed three times.
What do you like the most about this song?
I love the bass in the second verse. It’s so juicy!
What made you want to release "Like You Do" as a single?
To me, it’s a great representation of the new sound. It’s been the reference we went back to when making other songs.
What is your goal for this single?
I hope it encourages people to reflect and grow. The end of the song is kind of a self-love mantra.
As an artist, what are the biggest struggles? And what is the best thing?
I’m doing everything by myself at the moment, I don’t have a manager. So all of the work and pressure is on me and it’s very draining sometimes. The business side of being an artist can be very frustrating. The best thing is to play live and connect with people, especially playing with a band.
What do you want to accomplish as a human being?
I just want to be a blessing to others, create something meaningful and help people to be everything they are called to be.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think we need to try understand others more, and accept that the world isn’t so black and white. There are so many things trying to divide us. Let’s be more kind and loving to ourselves and to each other. I’m preaching this to myself, too.
2019 is coming to an end. What biggest lessons have you learnt this year?
How many great people I have around me and how hard it’s been to start over in London when it comes to building a community and my career. I’ve learnt to stay the path, keep consistent.
What did you accomplish this year?
I finished writing and recording an album that I’m really proud of. It’s been a stretch in many ways but I did it. Can’t wait to release more music!
What are your goals for 2020?
Releasing more music and playing live shows and finish my postgraduate studies!
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